(12-18-2019 11:43 AM)WesternSkillet Wrote: (12-17-2019 12:59 AM)lion1983 Wrote: The question that I have yet to see asked is,
What will Stetson do?
They just lost their rival, and closest conference game.
This will have to be (in my opinion) a crossroads for Stetson. They will have to choose either, A- Drop football like JU, (hopefully not) B- Add scholarship football, join the ASUN in the Big South along with fellow members UNA and KSU. (Hopefully) or C- Stay in a league were virtually every away game is a plane trip.
My opinion, Stetson can establish rivalries with both UNA and KSU in football. The Big South should offset costs they incur in travel in the PFL, at least a chunk of it. The other part that would help offset scholarship cost is surely they would have more tickets sold playing UNA, Campbell, KSU and Hampton. UNA travels well, especially to Florida for some reason.
I also think one of two things is going to happen to Presbyterian after they start PFL. They will realize they ain't saving money, and either drop football or come back to the Big South football. Especially if Stetson adds scholarship football.
I am also interested in the Stetson situation. It might make sense to drop football and put more money into basketball. Any Stetson fans out there know if they will keep football?
This is one of those comments (mine not yours) that may go off topic if I'm not careful, but I didnt think it needs another thread, so.
If Stetson was to drop football, and Bellarmine or anyone else in the ASUN not interested in starting football, I would say we can dissolve the ASUN/Big South football league and come up with another possible option for UNA and KSU.
But the Big South and ASUN came up with this format, at least in the interview I listened to, to help KSU, JU, and Stetson (if JU and Stetson added scholarship) have a football home free and clear. UNA was a beneficiary in it gave a reasonable conference option and UNA was invited soon after the announcement. UNA would have joined the ASUN in 2011 if this partnership was there, after the OVC lied about us and NKU getting invited.
I really wish Stetson would add scholarships and play in the Big South football. It would keep the conference at 8 in football. I dont see anyone else adding football in the Big South. The only other option is the Big South adds a 12th full member that has football. But I dont see anyone who would fit the bill in D1. D2 options are there, but may not be the beat route to go.
I dont think they go after West Florida because they made it clear to UNA that we were too far for a full membership. West Florida would be even further out.
North Greenville would be a good option from D2, bit dont know if either party is interested.
Or you could bring in a HBCU from the MEAC to have 2 HBCU members.
I dont know what the answer is, Big South football may be about to die. This is one reason I feel like the FCS is better off having football only conferences instead of ties with all sports conferences.